These trees are all closely inter-related. To most they are simply known as Hazelnut bushes. A Hazelnut bush is ideal for growing in a mixed hedge, or the back of the shrubbery. Hazelnut bushes can grow to 10-12’ in height, but are bushy, from the ground. Hazelnuts are extremely hardy and have a wild charm and ornamentation. Hazelnuts and filberts have long catkins that appear in late winter on the bare branches. They also produce good autumn foliage colour. A Hazelnut bush in your garden will settle down to fruit within 3 years so you don’t have long to wait. Johns Market Garden Hazelnut bushes are of excellent quality and we take pride in growing and offering a very wide range of these useful garden additions. Plant 8’ apart. You could also consider the Hazelnut bush with deep purple leaves – Corylus maxima purpurea. This is very decorative but also produces good nuts too.

Hazelnuts – new varieties

As well as the traditional ‘Cosford Cob’ and’ Kentish Cob’, which remain highly popular, we are pleased to offer some new Hazelnut and Filbert varieties with special qualities. Varieties of Hazelnut bush like Ennis, Gunslebert and Tonda di Giffoni have some special qualities you should read about. The latter variety in particular is a compact Hazelnut that you can grow in a pot!

Hazelnuts – bush cultivation

Hazelnut bushes are multi-branched. When pruning young specimens you should aim for an open, cup shaped habit. There is more information on pruning Hazelnut and filbert bushes in our cultivation guide. Hazelnut bushes are tolerant of most soils and are completely hardy. All varieties are partly self fertile but for maximum crops from your Hazelnut bush it is better to plant two different varieties.